MetalSolid

With the emasculation of the US 997 GT3 & GT3RS - and PCNA in general - what hardcore alternatives are there for the US market?

Corvette Z06
Aston Martin Vantage
Audi R8
Ferreri 430 CS
Toyota Supra (new)
Lamborghini Gallardo
Lotus Europa
?

944TURBOS

when it comes to track ability I think all of the cars listed would fall dramatically short. The 430CS will probably be the only car on that list that I would consider for a street/track toy.

The Gallardo is very exotic and awesome looking, but it is a PIG onthe track from what I hear and I would use it primarily as a weekend/exotic car.

The Aston Martin is sexy but def not a track car and I would not replace a GT3 with it. However, it would make for a very nice garage mate!

The Z06.............well...........I know this has been beaten to death, but it is great bang for the buck. It will never be a porsche and it will always be scarred by the fact that it is a Chevy. I think they have done a great job this time around (and even with the C5), but you get what yuo pay for(remember the roofs flying off?). I do not know how these cars will hold up after years of beatings on the track.

Audi R8: I hear the base version will be a 4.2 V-8, not the V-10 that we were all hoping for. I think for the V-10 you have to cough up a lot more change. The car really does not do too much for me.

Toyota Supra: eh...the old supras were nice, but for the occasional hwy run and import shows. Def not a track car.

Lotus Europa: I can not comment because I do not know enough about the new ones. But as cool and as nicely priced as the lotus's are, I would not replace a Gt3 with one, ever.

Overall all the cars you listed kick *** in their own right. I would not mind rocking any of them, but other than the 430CS I can not think of one of those cars I would even consider dropping a 996 GT3(let alone a 997 GT3) for(the aston and lambo are tempting just cause they are sexy as hell, but I am a track junkie at heart and would not be able to use them for that).

NJ-GT

The 360CS has 425Hp and it's lighter than the incoming 997 GT3RS.

The F430CS will be a blast and very expensive car. Think $250k or more due to the markup on Ferraris these days.

The C6Z06 is still getting spanked by a stock 996 GT3 in the SCCA Solo National program. I consider that car a step back from the 996 GT3, so it's not in my option list.

Lotus Europa: not coming to U.S., heavier boring car than the Elise/Exige.

The Lambo Gallardo drivers don't have a clue on how to setup a car and drive it fast. With the right tunning (stiffer springs, stiffer rear sway) that car could be very fast at the track.

Don't Forget:
- NSX
- Nissan GTR
- Toyota/Lexus V10 Supercar

AW

If Porsche doesn't fix the sunroof, I'll get a new M Coupe. Not exactly in the same category but definitely a driver car with good value for the money. I would not go for a Z06, despite the great performance. I may consider a Viper.

I have just received Christophorous. There is a long article on the GT3. All pics feature a non-sunroof euro car. What a shame.

AW

Mr. C4

This would be my list in rank order.

Used GT2
430 CS
Gallardo with track package
New Nissan Skyline
Audi R8
M3 CSL
M Coupe

cosmos

I need a stick. I cant stand the SMG tranny.

That leaves out the F cars. Its a shame that Ferrari does not make a manual 360 CS or I would have been all over that.

mooty

if the new GTR is simliar to the current gen. it will be very very hvy.

Fongster

add bodykit, stereo, bigger wheels..its is ONLY A HAIR UNDER 3700 LBS base

zed996tt

996GT3.

Nordschleife

Guys
The Gallardo is extremely competent. Unfortunately all the 'Pizzazz' about Lamborghini means that very few serious pilots have driven them. Sadly the major Lamborghini race car preparer in Europe has an 'unusual' agenda, so the few cars built are not running in the right series or being driven by the right drivers.
I have driven the very latest Gallardos with a 'real' 520bhp and driven them hard and with a lot of commitment, my major complaint was a lack of downforce in front above 280 kph. From time to time, I come across complaints about understeer, in my experience, when driving with real commitment the understeer is brief and easily managable at a subconscious level.
There is no comparison between the new Gallardos and the old ones. I strongly suggest that andbody looking for alternatives to the GT3 considers a Gallardo. The Astons are not hard edged, they are not 'manic street preachers'.
R+C

Phokaioglaukos

Are the 360CS and 430CS versions streetable in the US?

roberga

Noble M-400. perhaps the M-15. 455hp, 1080 kg

DanH

I wouldn't swap a GT3 for a Noble M400 (I had a Noble GT03). On track the m400s seem broadly similar to the GT3 in terms of ability, but not as well engineered. Very different drive too - very synthentic feeling power delivery.

I'd hate to think how much running a G-car as a track toy would cost. In the UK at least the dealers have a monopoly on servicing + maintenance, and boy are they pricey. Was really impressed by the Murcielago le mans car this year. Funded entirely by an owners club. What a way to enjoy your wealth!

Nordschleife

The Gallardo is an Audi, many of them are built in Neckarsulm. A whole different ball game.

R+C

AW

Is the Gallardo as difficult to get as a 430? I would go for a 430 or 430 cs but here in the US you either have to wait 2 years and pray you'll actually get an allocation or pay 50-80k above MSRP.

AW